Cleverly: Help developing nations to stem immigration
THE Home Secretary will say today that the West must help developing countries improve their economies to stop migrants leaving.
In a speech in New York during a two-day trip to the US, James Cleverly will call on the global community to take collective action to tackle illegal migration. He will say that the West must give developing countries the means to stop the flight of capital and workers, by giving them the tools and trade links to develop their economies.
“A talent drain can have a devastating effect, causing a flight of capital, huge gaps in the workforce, and security issues. It can be extremely expensive for countries to train professionals who then take their skills elsewhere,” Mr Cleverly will say.
“Furthermore, citizens will suffer if their country fails to invest in skills and training and then plugs those gaps with immigration. Doing the right thing by someone in need doesn’t necessarily mean relocating them to our own country. Central to solving the international migration challenge is doing more, collectively, to help people to stay and thrive at home.”
The speech comes as 290 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats on Sunday, the highest number for a single day in February since the crisis began, according to Home Office figures.
Mr Cleverly will set out a “to-do” list for the international community, including smashing the people-smuggling gangs, tackling illegal migration “upstream” by cutting off the boats and funding used to carry the migrants and supporting countries that wish to settle more refugees.
He will also call for the international community to consider how the “architecture” of laws governing refugees and migration should be updated.